Abstract

Women in rural communities experience significant challenges accessing oral healthcare, resulting in disparities that contribute to untreated oral diseases and associated systemic health conditions. Teledentistry, which leverages telecommunications technology to provide remote dental care, offers a transformative solution to address these barriers. This study investigates teledentistry’s potential to bridge the gaps between rural and urban communities, focusing on women’s access to care, health outcomes, and challenges in implementation. Using a mixed-methods approach that integrates literature reviews, case studies, and patient satisfaction surveys, findings indicate that teledentistry has increased access to preventive care by 40% and reduced untreated dental issues by 30% in rural areas. Despite its promise, barriers such as limited broadband access, regulatory inconsistencies, and digital literacy gaps remain significant. Policy recommendations are proposed to enhance infrastructure, standardize reimbursement models, and improve digital literacy. This research highlights teledentistry’s potential as a critical tool in achieving equitable oral healthcare for women in underserved areas.